Herbs and Supplements to Treat Crohn’s Disease

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For people with Crohn’s disease, hope comes in the form of
achieving and maintaining remission as long as possible. There are several prescription
medications that can help you manage your symptoms. But some people are turning
to alternative medicine.

Boswellia

One remedy that has been researched is Boswellia serrata. Boswellia supplements are derived from trees
that produce a sweet-smelling resin rich in carbohydrates, essential oils, and boswellic
acids. The acid in the resin is the active ingredient. It’s believed to act as
an anti-inflammatory agent.

One recent study
found that 14 out of 20 people with Crohn’s who received boswellia supplements achieved
remission.

Boswellia is sold in health food stores as a dietary
supplement. It’s also sometimes used to treat asthma, inflammation, and
depression.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that is related to ginger. It gives curry
its bright yellow color. Research
spanning the past two decades suggests that curcumin, a compound found in
turmeric, has several medicinal properties that may be helpful to people with
Crohn’s. They include:

anti-inflammatory properties

anti-cancer properties

anti-amyloid properties

anti-arthritic properties

It also has antioxidant characteristics and is
anti-microbial. This may help fight infections in people with Crohn’s.

According to research, one
major challenge in using turmeric to treat Crohn’s is delivering a high enough
dose. This is because people with Crohn’s have trouble absorbing turmeric during
digestion. Currently, researchers are developing different ways to deliver
turmeric into the body for maximum absorption.

Additionally, the health risks of consuming turmeric must be
considered for each person. The compound may worsen gallbladder illnesses,
interact with blood-thinning medications and interfere with iron absorption. When
curcumin is in the body, it may also act similarly to hormones. You should
speak to your doctor before taking this supplement if you have a condition
that’s sensitive to hormones.

Green Tea

Green tea is popular across the world. Health enthusiasts
have long touted the many health benefits of green tea over the years, but its
effects on the bowels and colon are still being researched. In recent rodent studies,
green tea was found to reduce colon inflammation as well as the Crohn’s
medication sulfasalazine. It also reduced rodents’ risk of colon cancer. It’s unclear
if green tea has the same effects on people, but there are no risks in consuming
it.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow is more than just a sweet white dessert you
roast over the fire. An herb called marshmallow that comes from the Althaea officinalis plant has been
tapped for use in treating Crohn’s.

Recent research
suggests marshmallow can soothe tissues during healing, especially in the
stomach. This reduces inflammation in people with Crohn’s. Additionally, the
root protects the lining of the stomach. This reduces stomach acids with no apparent
side effects on the body.

N-Acetylglucosamine

N-acetylglucosamine is a supplement most often derived from
shellfish. In some tests, it has been linked to success in treating autoimmune
disorders. The supplement can stop cells that produce inflammation. One study found that N-acetylglucosamine
supplements reduced colon inflammation in children with Crohn’s with no
negative side effects.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus
in the blood, which strengthen bones. As a result, it’s become a staple in many
multivitamin supplements on the market.

Recent studies suggest vitamin D may be helpful in treating Crohn’s.
Chronic vitamin D deficiencies are common in people with Crohn’s. Some researchers have found
that chronic vitamin D deficiencies can lead to inflammation in the stomach and
colon. By adding vitamin D back into the diet, people with Crohn’s may help
minimize symptoms and increase immune system health. Since Crohn’s is caused by
a malfunction in your autoimmune system, providing a boost to your body’s
immune system can be a bonus.

B12

Vitamin B-12 is important for making new cells and breaking
down fats and proteins in the body. It also protects nerve cells and helps make
red blood cells.

People with Crohn’s commonly have B-12 deficiencies. Recent research suggests that
supplemental vitamin D can help diminish the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. It
can also aid in recovery from anemia, a common nutritional disorder among people
with Crohn’s.

The Takeaway

Herbs and supplements can complement your treatment plan. However,
you should always consult your doctor before starting any of these treatments. They
may interfere with your current medications, allergies, or existing health conditions.